I highly appreciate this occasion to speak to such an esteemed group, the brain trust and critical advisers on the resolution of one of the world's most pressing, seemingly intractable and horrifying crises. For the sake of the Syrian people, the Middle East and global security, it is an important moment in time to reflect not only on how to mitigate the current turmoil but also on options for a peaceful resolution in Syria.
Having the privilege to speak before the Canadian Council on International Law, let me describe what the Government of Canada has achieved to promote an international rules-based order.
It's good to see that support for peace in francophone countries goes beyond francophone countries. I am particularly pleased to see one of our co-chairs, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Bangladesh's Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom I had the pleasure to host earlier this week.
At a time when nuclear disarmament is stalled and when Canada, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, is re-engaging in the world, I cannot thank you enough for inviting me to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the start of the "Ottawa Process," which led to the Landmine Convention [Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction].
As you know, for over 100 years, the International Joint Commission [IJC] has prevented and resolved disputes over water between Canada and the United States under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty.
This is the third time in three weeks that I have had the honour of speaking about the North. And I say this from the heart: marking the 20th anniversary of the Arctic Council, representing Canada at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik and now joining you for this conference have been privileges.
In the past year, Canada has taken demonstrable steps to be more present on the world stage. This is what I plan to demonstrate today, at one of Canada's most prestigious foreign relations forums.
This year marks an important milestone in the relationship between our two countries. We celebrate 55 years of bilateral relations and, for Canada, 40 years of development cooperation in Guatemala.